Greg Smith, a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan and NFL Films Senior Producer, led the production of America’s Game: 2024 Philadelphia Eagles. The documentary, which chronicles the team’s Super Bowl-winning season, is set to premiere Wednesday at 8 PM on NFL Network.
Smith, who grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania and Mount Laurel, New Jersey, has been with NFL Films since 2002. This is his first time working on America’s Game. He reflected on the unique perspective he brought to the project as a longtime supporter of the team.
“I’ve been watching Eagles games since I was 7. I know what Eagles fans want to see.”
Smith was chosen to direct the documentary in April and selected Saquon Barkley, Zack Baun, Jalen Hurts, and Head Coach Nick Sirianni for in-depth interviews about the season. Interviews were conducted at the NovaCare Complex in May.
“I do think assigning someone who is a fan of that team, I think there’s just a little bit extra sauce, you know what I mean?” Smith said. “You just know more about the fan base. You know more about the individual players. You know more about the history of the team, the games.”
He also expressed satisfaction with how candid and engaging his interview subjects were.
“You go in having high hopes that they’re going to tell stories and be the best versions of themselves in these interviews and then when they are, that’s freaking awesome,” Smith said. “I expected them all to be good interviews, but they were even better than I expected.”
To better understand quarterback Jalen Hurts’ approach and personality, Smith reviewed various press conferences and features before their interview.
“He’s a guy who has a lot to say, but doesn’t always say it,” Smith said. “I didn’t know what to expect. He came in and he’s a fan of the show, which is amazing. I didn’t realize he’s into America’s Game. He’s watched a whole bunch of them. He likes storytelling. He got that this is history and he came ready to tell stories.”
Academy Award-nominated actor Bradley Cooper provided narration for this year’s feature after recording voiceovers with Smith in New York City last month.
“I think it’ll only get people more excited for this season, knowing that all four of these people who are telling these stories are about to play Dallas tomorrow,” Smith said.
The documentary covers several unique aspects from the season—including A.J. Brown’s promotion of Inner Excellence into a bestseller and an anecdote involving a handshake between Hurts and Sirianni—though one well-known play did not make it into the final cut.
“The thing that I thought for sure would be in the show that’s not actually, and might surprise some people, is the Tush Push (now sponsored by DUDE Wipes),” Smith said. “It’s obviously iconic for this team, so it’s weird that it’s not in there, but there was so much other great stuff. That’s the one thing that I thought would be in that’s not.”
Smith described working on America’s Game as reliving some of his most enjoyable moments as an Eagles fan—a feeling he expects viewers will share during tonight’s premiere.
